The Democratic advocate. [volume] (Westminster, Md.) 1865-1972, 1887-12-31
6br,,.ma, a. the ctasches.


Chaistmas this year fell on Sunday, and
the day was more observed than usual in a
christian way. The decorations in the Episco-
pa. Catholic, Lutheran and Reformed churches
were beautiful, and the services elaborate,
while in the Methodist Protestant and Meth
| odist Episcopal Churches the music and SER
mons were appropriate to the day.
At Ascension Church, Rev. s. d. Pond,
rector, there was midnight choral celebra-
ton of the Holy Communion. The congrega-
ton was large, and the stiffness OF the hour
lent an impressiveness to the scene. 1he
decorations were simple, yet tasteful and
beautiful: numerous candles burned on the
altar; and the worshippers were devout and
reverential There was plain celebration
at a. M, and another choral celebration,
with sermon, at 1890 a. M; choral vespers
| at D. M, and choral vespers in the chapel,
for the colored people, at 8 p. m. All the
services were largely attended. The music
at the Church was of high order, and well
rendered. The choir was assisted by Mrs.
George Wysham and Miss Sallie Wood, of
Baltimore, former members of the church.
The colored choir also rendered excellent
music at the evening service. The Christmas
service for the Sunday school was held in
the Chapel on Wednesday night. There were
carols by the children and an address by the
rector, after which presents were distributed
| from a heavily laden Christmas tree.
AT St. Johns Catholic Church the services
began at a. M, followed by another mass at
6. and the third at 10 a. M, at all of which
the congregations were large. There was
vesper service at p. m. The church was
handsomely trimmed, and the music was APP
propriate to the day. The choir was assisted
by Mrs. Samuel Shipley, former member,
whose voice has lost none of its power and
| The chair under the dlrnc-
ton of Mr.. Chas. E. Fink, assisted by Miss
Julia Shorb, the organist. The collection
for ST. Charles College amounted to SS9. 40
Over 800 persons took communion. On
Thursday afternoon the children of the cate
chism class were presented by the pastor with
gifts from Christmas tree.
At Grace Lutheran Church the services
were as elaborate as usual and the decora-
tions as beautiful, while the music was of a
higher order and beautifully rendered. The
congregations were large at both the morning
and evening services. The sermons by the
pastor, Rev. p. H. Miller, were appropriate
to the birthday of the Saviour. Miss BERTHE
Geiselman was organist on the occasion, and
Mr.. Joseph Stouch sang solo.
The Christmas services at st. Paufs Re-
formed Church were interesting and attrae-
tive. The Reformed Church has always been
among the first of the churches of the Refor-
nation to lay great stress npon the proper
observance ofthe great festivals of the church,
and the coming of the festival of the birth of
our Lord and Saviour, always calls forth
great zeal and activity in all her congrega-
TONS Following the life and spirit OF the
church in general, the congregation OF this
city have always observed Christmas by
services of devotion and praise of more than
ordinary interest.
The congregation assembled for the early
service at 6 q. m, in the large audience room
of the church. Notwithstanding the early
hour, the church was well filled by worship
ers. The chancel, including the altar, pulpit,
reading desk and baptismal font, was taste
fully decorated with plants and laurel, and
over the altar the words, "Christ is Born
the Great Amounted, were inscribed in
green lettering. A special Christmas choir,
supported by q number of instruments, and
under the leadership of Prof. G. II. Spurrier,
provided the music. Both the selections and
the rendering of them were of high order of
merit The pastor delivered short address
appropriate to the occasion.
IN the evening the church was crowded TO
its utmost capacity, to hear the Christmas
service of the children. The order of wor-
ship provided by the church for Christmas,
was used 1t consisted of the good old
| Christmas hymns and carols that have come
| down through the centuries and breathed the
spirit of true worship and devotion, and also
Of appropriate Scripture selections. A fitting
address was delivered by Mr.. James B. Stone.
sifer, of this city, a student in the Theological
Seminary of the Reformed Church, at
Lancaster, Pa. The offerings of the Sunday
school and congregation were devoted to one
of the Orphans Homes of the Church. One
of the pleasing features of the service was the
singing by the Infant School. The singing of
the whole school, supported by number of
instruments, was inspiring and was credit to
the PATIENCE and ability of Miss Mikesell, the
leader. The decorations of the morning were
improved by two large Christmas trees. pne
on each side of the chancel, which were laden
with gifts for the children and were lighted
by the burning candles. The service through,
out was impressive and reverential and we'll
calculated to give the congregation q true
idea of the significance and meaning of
Christmas.
In the Methodist Episcopal Church the
singing of Christmas carols by the choir, and
sermon by the pastor, Rev. g. W. Cooper,
and in the evening Young People Christmas
services, consisting of Scripture readings,
recitations and singing.
The NJ. P. Church held their annual Christ
mas service on Christmas evening. The pro-
gram for the occasion consisted of singing,
responsive readings and recitations. On
Thursday evening the Sunday School were
given their customary treat,
| --~~--